Atheism

Atheism is not a religion but a philosophical position defined by the absence of belief in deities. Approximately 500 million to 1.2 billion people worldwide identify as atheist, agnostic, or non-religious, making secular perspectives a significant force in global thought.

Atheism ranges from "soft" or "negative" atheism (simply lacking god-belief) to "strong" or "positive" atheism (actively concluding no gods exist). Many atheists identify additionally as secular humanists, rationalists, or skeptics.

The roots of atheistic thought extend to ancient Greece (Diagoras, Epicurus) and ancient India (Cārvāka school). Modern atheism developed alongside the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, with influential thinkers including David Hume, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell, and more recently, the "New Atheists" (Dawkins, Harris, Dennett, Hitchens).

Central to atheistic worldview: - Epistemology based on evidence, reason, and scientific method - Ethics derived from human well-being, empathy, and social contract rather than divine command - Meaning found in human relationships, creativity, knowledge, and contributions to humanity - Acceptance of mortality as motivation for living fully in the present

Atheism has contributed significantly to secular governance, human rights frameworks, scientific inquiry, and ethical philosophy independent of religious authority.